Ippudou Ramen

I felt like ramen for lunch today. Already in downtown Umeda, I was spoiled for choice.

However, my first attempt to enter a ramen store resulted in sheer embarrassment. In full view of the slurpers inside, I could not, for the life of me, figure out how to open the door.

Slide?

Push?

Pull?

Panic set in and I flet the scene red-faced.

My fall from grace led to the discovery of Ippudou. I've walked past this ramen joint many times at night, and am always shocked by the snaking queue of waiting customers. The lunchtime line was but a mere two people deep (as opposed to the usual twelve people), so I decided to see why it is so popular.

While waiting, I attempted to read the menu etched into the wood above the counter. Not recognizing the usual items, I was prepared to wing it through my order, when I spied an English menu by the counter upon entry.

Unlike other ramen outlets, where miso ramen and a plethora of other ramen varieties are offered, Ippudou specializes in akamaru-shinaji and shiromaru-motoaji flavours. They come with your choice of two slices of pork, or six, the cheapest starting at ￥650.

I can see why this place would be so popular. Apart from a lack of beansprouts in the dish (I counted mine -- a sad, four strands), Ippudou's ramen was impressive in size. Its broth was also super tasty, minus the after-consumption thirst for water (usually indicating the use of MSG). Their noodles were the most interesting. Not as bouncy in texture as other outlets, but with a slight bite to them. And also thinner. Tasty goodness! I'll be back again fer sure!